Socrates

Pirlo eyeing successful Champions League run with Juventus The midfielder has spoken of how he hopes his side challenge on all fronts this campaign, and has also named the 2006 World Cup as the most memorable moment of his career. Aug 9, 2012 Juventus' Andrea Pirlo has expressed his desire for his side to make their mark in Serie A and the Champions League during the upcoming season. Speaking ahead of the Supercoppa clash with Napoli in Beijing on Saturday, the Italy star hopes that the Bianconeri will build on their successful 2011-12 season, where they clinched the Serie A title by going through the entire campaign unbeaten. “We have just started our new season, and we are just as determined as we were last year,” Pirlo told reporters at a press conference in China. “We really hope Juventus can win the Serie A title again, and take our chance in the Champions League. The Champions League is an attractive opportunity.” The former Milan midfielder also identified Italy’s victorious World Cup 2006 campaign as his fondest memory, though he was quick to move on from their loss to Spain in the recent Euro 2012 final. “The World Cup in 2006 was definitely the most exciting moment in my life. But for me, the Euro 2012 final was heartbreaking. But we need open a new page in our lives, and look forward.” Pirlo also maintained that the 2012 Ballon d’Or would be given to a player who performs well in the 2012-13 Champions League, and named Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta as his favourites to win the award. “I think the Ballon d’Or will be given to someone who is successful in the Champions League. I think that it may be won by Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Iniesta.” The 33-year-old also joked about his video game exploits with former Milan teammate Alessandro Nesta, enthusing: “I played for about 10 years with Alessandro because we stayed in the same hotel room. But in Juventus, I did not find a new partner to replace him!”

Juventus are hungry for success, warns Marchisio The midfielder is full of ambition ahead of this weekend's Supercoppa Italiana, and has stressed the Scommessopoli scandal will not distract the Old Lady. Aug 9, 2012 Claudio Marchisio is relishing Juventus' Supercoppa Italiana clash with Napoli at the weekend, and is determined to start the season on a high by winning another trophy. The midfielder reckons the Bianconeri are the team to beat following last year's Serie A title triumph, and want to make their status as Italian champions count by enjoying continued success, starting with the new campaign's curtain raiser. "We need to show we are the strongest in our game against Napoli. We are playing for the first trophy of the season, we are the reigning champions and we want to display that on the pitch. Juventus are always hungry for success," Marchisio said at a press conference. "Napoli have developed greatly over the last few years and have made some quality purchases. However, they are also aware they will be facing a tough team that wants to continue winning." Marchisio then went on to discuss the Scommessopoli scandal that has rocked Italian football in recent weeks, and is adamant the match-fixing probe will not pose Juventus a distraction. "We are just thinking about the game. We have got thick skin and seeing the coach so focused can only rub off on us. We are not affected by events going on around us, if anything it gives us a boost to do well."

Retirement is not on my mind, affirms Buffon The veteran goalkeeper insists helping the Bianconeri win remains his only priority, while he took the time to praise the talents of Mario Balotelli and Iker Casillas. Aug 8, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon has quashed suggestions that he could be ready to retire from professional football, claiming he is only thinking about bringing renewed success to Juventus. The 34-year-old's comments coincide with the Old Lady's return to the Champions League next season, following a two-year hiatus from Europe's premier club competition. "I haven't considered retiring. The only thing on my mind today is football," affirmed Buffon to assembled reporters at a press conference in China, where Juventus are due to play Napoli for the Italian Super Cup on Saturday. "We've retained a great squad from last season, and the club's work in the transfer market will make us even stronger for our Champions League return. No matter who the opponent might be, we will always aim to win." The 2006 World Cup winner also spoke about his role in Italy's national set-up, taking time to praise enigmatic striker Mario Balotelli as well as Spanish counterpart and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas. "It is a little early to talk about playing for Italy in the 2014 World Cup, but I will always carry the desire to play for the Azzurri. "Balotelli had a great Euro 2012, and his performances will certainly help him grow into an even more mature and complete player. "Casillas is a great player, an excellent keeper and a man with sportsmanship, irregardless of whether he is better than I am." Buffon captained Cesare Prandelli's men to the final of the European finals in Kiev, only to see his side crumble at the final hurdle, capitulating 4-0 to Spain.

Buffon: Juventus want to win Supercoppa Italiana The veteran goalkeeper is full of ambition ahead of this weekend's clash with Napoli, and has stressed his injury problems are behind him. Aug 8, 2012 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is determined to start the 2012-13 campaign on a high and win the upcoming Supercoppa Italiana clash with Napoli. The Turin giants impressed last season as they won the Serie A title without losing a single game, and the veteran shot-stopper is eager to add more silverware to the club's trophy cabinet at the weekend. "We’ve currently got an important target in front of us. We want to put on a good show and win this cup – it means a lot to us," Buffon was quoted as saying on the official Juve website. The experienced Italy international missed his side's friendly against Malaga due to injury, but he stressed that he will be fit for the match versus Napoli. "After turning 30 it is normal to have certain aches and pains during the first two weeks of preparation. Your body needs to get back into the swing of things. "Now I feel better, I have started to train again, so the problem’s gone." Saturday's Supercoppa clash will be held in Beijing, China, with kick-off scheduled at 14:00CET.

10 months anticipated for Conte Aug 8, 2012 The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport believe that Antonio Conte is almost certainly going to be handed an initial 10-month ban from football for his alleged role in the betting scandal. The Coach is accused of being aware of two attempted fixes in Serie B games when in charge of Siena. Having seen an initial plea bargain of a three-month ban rejected by the Discipline Commission, reports earlier this week suggested that he could be hit with a subsequent 10-month ban. That belief remains the case, as the Commission meets today to decide their sentences for those involved. The 10-month ban being reported by the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport this afternoon as almost certain is five less than prosecutor Stefano Palazzi first suggested and would still be subject to Conte appealing it. Whilst the Commission are understood to be considering Filippo Carobbio and Carlo Gervasoni’s testaments as reliable, which is why Conte faces this ban, the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport also believe that they do not hold Andrea Masiello’s declarations in the same light. If this is true then Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe would see charges against them dropped. Bonucci is facing a charge of direct involvement in an attempted fix in May 2010, whilst at Bari, and a possible three-year, six-month ban. Pepe is accused of knowing about this same fix, whilst an Udinese player and faces a possible 12-month ban. The Discipline Commission will make public their recommended punishments for those involved in the case on Thursday morning, from which point affected parties will have five days to prepare an appeal.

Conte faces 10-month ban for role in Scommessopoli scandal The Serie A-winning coach could be suspended for the entire 2012-13 campaign, while Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe could walk away unscathed. Aug 8, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte will be handed a 10-month suspension for his involvement in the Scommessopoli scandal that has rocked Italian football, La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport reports. The former Italy international saw his plea bargain for a three-month ban rejected by the disciplinary committee last week, with prosecutor Stefano Palazzi then demanding a 15-month suspension. Conte will learn his fate between Wednesday and Friday when the first judgements will be passed, and the 43-year-old could miss the entire 2012-13 campaign as the disciplinary committee believes Carlo Gervasoni and Filippo Carobbio are credible witnesses. Conte is charged with failing to report attempts to influence the outcome of two Serie B matches against Novara and AlbinoLeffe in the 2010-11 season when he was in charge of Siena. Meanwhile, both Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe are expected to be acquitted from their respective charges. Bonucci is being accused of sporting fraud, while Pepe faces charges of failing to report an attempt to fix the outcome of a match between Bari and Udinese from 2010. Nevertheless, star witness Andrea Masiello's statements are not holding up and both players could walk away from the match-fixing allegations unscathed.

Marchisio: Conte an example Aug 8, 2012 Claudio Marchisio says that whilst Antonio Conte is ‘clearly uncomfortable’ at a possible 10-month ban, he continues to serve as an example. The Coach is facing the prospect of a touchline ban from football through to June 9, 2013, for his role alleged to have been played in the betting scandal to have hit Italian football this year. However, his midfielder Marchisio believes that he is still leading the way in showing the players how to behave, in preparing for the Supercoppa Italiana clash with Napoli. “It is obvious that he is not comfortable for all that is happening,” revealed the No 8 to Sky Sport Italia. “But he is an example for us because on the field he does not reveal anything. As always he yells at us, training us as always, giving us the usual drive and motivation. “So for us he is a great example of how we should focus exclusively on the job.” Marchisio was asked about going into the game without a player currently assigned to the No 10 shirt, recently vacated by Alessandro Del Piero and if he were tempted to take it. “Obviously Del Piero is missed a lot. The chorus of Chinese fans for him makes us realise his importance. To see his locker empty at Vinovo also have a certain effect. Ale is an example for us all. “I, however, would not put on the No 10 shirt of Del Piero’s because, whilst it was a dream of mine when I was younger, when I was an attacker, now I am a midfielder and I am not Platini, Baggio or Del Piero. “I’m not one that can decide a game with a single goal, so I do not deserve to ever wear this shirt.” The midfielder also looked ahead to Saturday’s Supercup clash with Napoli. “It’s a very important trophy, we are champions and we have an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that we are still the strongest. “We are strongly motivated. Napoli have always caused us problems, but we’re ready. Our opponents have improved every year and will also be dangerous rivals in the League, along with Milan, Inter, Roma and Udinese.” This will be the third Cup final in the space of a few months for Marchisio and a number of the Juve players, after the Coppa Italia defeat to Napoli and the Euro 2012 defeat to Spain. “We now hope to win. But I am among those who think that finals are best to be played, even if you lose them, because they give you an experience to better address those that you play. “Honestly, I never thought that we would progress so quickly to the top. But the League last year was made from every day and it brought a confidence to us that was missing. Now we have to stay at those high levels.”

'The very thought of him fixing games is out of the question' - Moggi backs Juventus coach Conte The Bianconeri boss has received the backing of the former managing director of the club, who believes he is not guilty in the betting scandal that has engulfed Italian football. Aug 7, 2012 Luciano Moggi has given his support to Juventus coach Antonio Conte, who faces allegations of failing to report match-fixing during his time in charge of Siena. The 43-year-old could receive a 15-month ban if he is found guilty of not alerting the authorities to a potential fix, an allegation he denies. Conte joined Juve in the summer of 2011, replacing Luigi Delneri, and masterminded a Serie A triumph in his first season at the helm. Moggi has denied the claim that Old Lady coach could be involved in the betting scandal, believing that it would be out of character for the Italian. "I have known Antonio for 10 years," he told Radio Kiss Kiss. "The very thought of him fixing games is out of the question." Moggi also criticised the Italian Football Federation over their handling of the most recent scandal, suggesting that because only ex-Siena player Filippo Carobbio has accused Conte, the coach should not be charged. "Giving a platform to someone who admits he fixed matches while another 13-odd teammates say it was not true seems typical of the current Federation." The judgement from the Disciplinary Commission is expected on Thursday.

Pirlo will be a Champions League star again The Italy international was a standout performer on the peninsula in 2011-12 and was superb during Euro 2012. Now he has a return to the top European competition to look forward to. Aug 7, 2012 First Ezequiel Lavezzi, then Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, and for a while it appeared Julio Cesar and Maicon would leave too. And let’s not forget Alessandro Del Piero, Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso and Filippo Inzaghi either. For one reason or another, unlike any other Serie A season, Italian football is becoming less and less attractive – and the Calcioscommesse scandal has certainly not helped. The league is also becoming increasingly poorer from a technical point of view, having lost many champions who have written their names in thick black marker into the history books of Italian football. Some of them have moved on due to their advancing age, with the real blame for the feeling of loss being the fact that these superstars with a capital S have not been replaced. The remaining so-called top players have been attracted by the petrodollars of Arabs and Russians who do not care about the global financial crisis or Financial Fair Play. The result is that Andrea Pirlo, the great architect behind the rebirth of Juventus, is the only footballer set to ply his trade in Serie A this season who finished amongst the top 30 of the 2011-12 Goal.com 50, the list of the greatest players of the past year, voted for by Goal.com journalists across the world. To find another protagonist from the Italian league, you need to go down to 37th position, occupied by another Juventino, Arturo Vidal, with Gianluigi Buffon not far behind. The Bianconeri regista occupies fifth place, on the shoulder of Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta. Therefore, after the two phenomena of world football and the two Euro-winning Spaniards, it is widely accepted that Pirlo was the best player of the past season; the biggest determining factor to his club and international side. What Juve didn’t possess under former coach Luigi Del Neri was the “silent leader” type in midfield, and with Pirlo’s signature last summer came the addition of performances and panache that the Bianconeri had been missing previously. After an almost non-season in the Milan shirt, during which time there were some misunderstandings with Massimiliano Allegri, Pirlo has bounced back to be exactly the type of driving force he was during his peak years. He chalked up many assists (11), added a handful of goals (three), but above all he delivered countless monstrous performances, giving confidence and leadership to a squad of players less accustomed to winning. It’s true that Juventus had the advantage of not playing in European competition, but those who had doubted Pirlo could be influential at a continental level were quickly put in their place thanks to his performances at Euro 2012. The final against Spain apart, he ran the show, with his poise and delightful play transfixing football fans across Europe. In the season ahead, his class will illuminate the biggest stage once more. There is something about Pirlo and the Champions League that just clicks. He will surely brighten up the whole competition, after all, he is more than accustomed to winning the trophy with the big ears, having collected it twice as a Milan player in 2002-03 and 2006-07. The hunt for a third European title starts now, and this time in black and white. It is a difficult challenge, similar in scale to Mount Everest, but with Pirlo and his magic, there’s plenty of reason for Juventus fans to dream.

Moggi: 'Conte is innocent' Aug 7, 2012 Antonio Conte has received support in his betting trial from someone he might not necessarily appreciate as a character witness – Luciano Moggi. The Juventus Coach risks a 15-month ban for failing to alert authorities to a potential fix while he was at Siena in 2010-11, although he is fighting the charges and it’s reported could be suspended for 10 months. “The group of lawyers is strengthening to prove that Conte didn’t do anything,” Moggi told Radio Kiss Kiss. Moggi is a familiar figure to Juve and the courts, as he was considered the ‘mastermind’ behind the Calciopoli scandal that saw the Bianconeri stripped of two titles and demoted to Serie B in 2006. “Conte is a man who wants to win the games and has nothing to do with the betting systems. “I have known Antonio for 10 years and the very thought of him fixing games is out of the question. “Giving a platform to someone who admits he fixed matches while another 13-odd teammates say it wasn’t true seems typical of the current Federation.” The only evidence against Conte comes from ex-Siena player Filippo Carobbio, who claims the Coach said two results were ‘safe’ in a team meeting. The others who were present that day have testified that he never said that. A verdict from the Disciplinary Commission is expected on Thursday morning.

Napoli caught 'spying' on Juve? Aug 7, 2012 There are remarkable reports that Walter Mazzarri’s assistants were caught ‘spying’ on today’s Juventus training session, infuriating the Bianconeri. Napoli and Juve face off in the Italian Super Cup on Saturday in Beijing, kick-off 13.00 UK time. It’s claimed that Enzo Concina and Claudio Nitti were spotted in the stands of the Olympic Sport Center Stadium today. Juve were training in the complex alongside a group of children learning judo and the members of the Napoli coaching staff tried to blend in among the parents. It’s reported they were spotted because of the flash from their cameras and were then confronted by the Juve security team. According to TMW and Calciomercato, the incident infuriated the Bianconeri, so director of sport Fabio Paratici even called Napoli director Riccardo Bigon to complain.

Mazzoleni to ref Super Cup Aug 7, 2012 Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni has been appointed as the referee for Saturday’s Italian Super Cup match between Juventus and Napoli. The game takes place in Beijing’s Bird’s Nest stadium and kicks off at 13.00 UK time. Mazzoleni is chosen to officiate with Renato Faverani and Andrea Edoardo Stefani as the linesmen, while Nicola Rizzoli and Paolo Tagliavento are the ‘goalline’ officials. This will be the first Italian professional match to use goalline officials. The fourth official is Paolo Bergonzi.

Buffon: 'Juve want Super Cup' Aug 7, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon has shaken off an injury in Beijing and warns Napoli “we want to win the Italian Super Cup” on Saturday. Juventus began training in China on Monday ahead of the August 11 showdown, which kicks off at 13.00 UK time. “After the age of 30 when you start training for the first two weeks, it’s normal to have a few aches and pains, because the engine has to warm up again,” he said after a back problem last week. “I feel better now and resumed training, so the problem is behind me.” It has been a tense few days in the Bianconeri camp, as Coach Antonio Conte, assistant manager Angelo Alessio, players Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe face potential bans in the betting trial. Another of Conte’s assistants, Cristian Stellini, tended his resignation last night after accepting a plea bargain. “When I am with my teammates, the Coach and on the field, I feel good and my strength is that I know nothing and nobody can ever affect me,” continued Buffon. “Our fortune is that we have the opportunity, when stepping outside the locker room and on to the pitch, to put all the problems that affect football right now behind us. “Now we have an important objective and we want to win the Italian Super Cup, as we care about it a great deal.” The Supercoppa traditionally kicks off the season and is between the Scudetto holders and winners of the Coppa Italia.

Pirlo: We are enthusiastic Aug 7, 2012 Andrea Pirlo is looking forward to the Supercoppa Italiana against Napoli and congratulates Juventus on their transfer work this summer. The midfielder arrived with his Juve teammates in China yesterday ahead of their Supercup meeting with last season’s Coppa Italia winners Napoli. Ahead of that game, Pirlo spoke briefly to reporters and took the chance to talk of the belief that the work done in the transfer window has given the squad. “We arrive here with great enthusiasm. We have many fans in China and we are very keen to win the Supercoppa,” began Pirlo today. “The club has done well in the summer market, there has been some excellent work and I think that we can play in the Champions League with the ambition of advancing out of the group stages.” The team are facing the prospect of being without Coach Antonio Conte for next season through suspension, for his alleged role played in the betting scandal. “We’re just thinking about the field and we are concerned only with doing our job.”

Lippi: Juve strong without Conte Aug 7, 2012 Marcello Lippi sees Juventus as in a strong position next season both in Serie A and Europe and even if Antonio Conte is suspended. Conte faces a potential lengthy touchline ban both domestically and in Europe should he fail to prove his innocence over alleged involvement in the betting scandal. However, his former Coach at the Bianconeri does not believe that the club’s success next season necessarily hinges on the outcome of his trial. “Will it affect things? A little, but not much,” Lippi told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “Antonio is very involved with the games, to the point of losing his voice, but more important is the work done in the week. “And he would still do that even if he is banned. I know Antonio as a person of true clarity and seriousness. I do not think he has done anything wrong. “Are Juve favourites in the League? Yes, right now I do not see any team as strong as Juventus. Napoli are growing well, Inter have ended a cycle and are trying to start another. “Milan have made some excellent sales but are without optimism and confidence. Roma is setting up a high level of training. But Juventus is still ahead.” The World Cup-winning Coach also looked ahead to Juve’s return to European football and reflected on where they sit in comparison to others. “What goals do Juve have in the Champions League? To have fun and be ambitious. The team is competitive, the new signings are very strong, [Gianluigi] Buffon and [Andrea] Pirlo are of great class. “In Europe there are two teams, Barcelona and Real Madrid, who are in front of everyone. Then, there is a group of five or six teams including Juve. “How do they reduce that gap? The key is in the belief in the work and in their quality. With the mind you can beat everyone. “Then, the draw in the Champions League can be decisive, the encounters, at what time you meet each opponent. If Barcelona or Real Madrid are only to be met in the semi-final or final then it means that in the meantime you have a certain path to undertake and to grow up on.”

10 for Conte, nothing for Bonucci, Pepe? Aug 7, 2012 Reports today suggest that Juventus boss Antonio Conte could be banned for 10 months, whilst Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe face acquittal. From Wednesday to Friday this week will see the first judgements passed on those involved in the betting scandal who did not opt for plea bargains, with Juve’s trio of Coach and two players facing different prospects. Today’s edition of the Corriere dello Sport is speculating that Conte will face a possible ban until June 9, 2013 from the Discipline Commission, which would be subject to Conte’s appeal. The ban would be five months fewer than prosecutor Stefano Palazzi had originally put forward, this after the Coach’s original three-month suspension as a plea bargain was rejected. Meanwhile, the same publication is also alleging that Juventus players Bonucci and Pepe face acquittal from their respective charges of sporting fraud and failing to report an attempted fix. It is understood that the testimony from Andrea Masiello is not holding up and the players could see all charges dropped for their alleged part played in trying to fix a Bari-Udinese match from 2010. Bonucci, who was at Bari at the time, is facing the prospect of a three-year, six-month suspension, whilst Pepe, an Udinese player that day, is currently anticipating a potential one-year ban.

Conte assistant Stellini resigns Aug 6, 2012 Antonio Conte’s assistant, Cristian Stellini, has resigned from the Juventus staff after he took a plea bargain in the betting trial. The former Bari and Como player had been part of Conte’s staff while at Siena in 2010-11. It was during that experience that the events of the betting trial occurred, which saw Conte and assistant manager Angelo Alessio fight the charges of failing to alert authorities to a potential fix. Stellini’s position was rather more serious and he accepted a plea bargain this week for a ban of two years and six months for sporting fraud. This evening the official Juventus website published Stellini’s resignation letter, which was addressed to President Andrea Agnelli. “The events of the last month have deeply affected me. In a short space of time I went from member of the technical staff of the champions of Italy to a cause of turmoil for those I worked with. “Whatever the evolution of the legal situation I am in, I feel it is only right to show a professional attitude and release this weight from Juventus which fell on to the club’s shoulders due to my time elsewhere in my career. “I think it is right to dedicate all my time and efforts to clearing my position in these matters, which are exclusively about me and not those I simply shared a locker room with. “I therefore tend my irrevocable resignation as technical assistant at Juventus.”

Cobolli Gigli: 'Conte plea bargain wrong' Aug 6, 2012 Ex-Juventus President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli believes Antonio Conte’s lawyers “made a mistake” in seeking a plea bargain in the betting trial. The Coach was advised by Bianconeri lawyers to go for a three-month ban with €200,000 fine on the strict condition it was not legally considered an admission of guilt. When that was rejected by the Disciplinary Commission, Conte opted to fight the charges of failing to alert authorities to a potential fix and now risks a 15-month suspension. A verdict is expected sometime after Wednesday. “Although I understood the club’s choice on Conte, I didn’t appreciate it,” Cobolli Gigli told Radio Goal. “I believe he too wanted to go all the way in front of the judges. After all, a plea bargain is a half-admission of guilt. “I really appreciated Leonardo Bonucci’s decision to reject a plea bargain. I think the lawyers made a mistake with Conte.” Bonucci is challenging the charge of sporting fraud, which could see him banned for three-and-a-half years.

Bonucci 'has nothing to confess' Aug 6, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci’s lawyer explains why he refused a plea bargain in the betting trial. “He hasn’t done anything, so what was he supposed to admit?” The Juventus defender has been charged with sporting fraud due to his time at Bari and risks a three-and-a-half year ban, but is fighting the case and expects a verdict between Wednesday and Friday. “The prosecutor offered us the opportunity to move the charge from sporting fraud to simply failing to alert authorities to a potential fix, but only if there were new facts that he was going to admit to,” explained lawyer Giampietro Bianchi in Tuttosport. “Bonucci hasn’t done anything, so what was he supposed to admit? It’s true there would be some risks of civil court action too, but in any case he would never have ‘confessed’ to anything untrue. It is a moral decision. “He would’ve evaluated the possibility out of respect for Juve’s interests, but not if it meant admitting to something he never actually did.” The lawyer pleaded his case in front of the Disciplinary Commission on Saturday, pointing out inconsistencies and contradictions in the testimony. “What are the chances of Bonucci being cleared? Considering the paperwork in the trial, we have the utmost confidence. “Frankly, I don’t see any other option than for him to be cleared and he is very confident too. The judges paid close attention and I’m convinced they will evaluate the matter with just as much attention.”

Bonucci 'has nothing to confess' Aug 6, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci’s lawyer explains why he refused a plea bargain in the betting trial. “He hasn’t done anything, so what was he supposed to admit?” The Juventus defender has been charged with sporting fraud due to his time at Bari and risks a three-and-a-half year ban, but is fighting the case and expects a verdict between Wednesday and Friday. “The prosecutor offered us the opportunity to move the charge from sporting fraud to simply failing to alert authorities to a potential fix, but only if there were new facts that he was going to admit to,” explained lawyer Giampietro Bianchi in Tuttosport. “Bonucci hasn’t done anything, so what was he supposed to admit? It’s true there would be some risks of civil court action too, but in any case he would never have ‘confessed’ to anything untrue. It is a moral decision. “He would’ve evaluated the possibility out of respect for Juve’s interests, but not if it meant admitting to something he never actually did.” The lawyer pleaded his case in front of the Disciplinary Commission on Saturday, pointing out inconsistencies and contradictions in the testimony. “What are the chances of Bonucci being cleared? Considering the paperwork in the trial, we have the utmost confidence. “Frankly, I don’t see any other option than for him to be cleared and he is very confident too. The judges paid close attention and I’m convinced they will evaluate the matter with just as much attention.”

Cristian Stellini resigns amid Scommessopoli allegations The club have confirmed that a member of Antonio Conte's backroom staff had submitted his resignation to the club after being implicated in the scandal. Aug 6, 2012 The on-going investigation into the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal has led to Cristian Stellini resigning from his position as technical assistant coach of Juventus. The future of their coach Antonio Conte, and his deputy, Angelo Alessio, remain uncertain, but the former Bari player, who had also been part of Conte’s coaching team while at Siena in 2010-11 when the alleged match-fixing occurred, has confirmed his exit. The 38-year-old posted a statement on the club's official website, apologising for his role in the affair. "The events of the last month have deeply affected me. In a short space of time I went from member of the technical staff of the champions of Italy to a cause of turmoil for those with whom I worked," Stellini wrote. "Whatever the outcome of the legal situation I am in, I feel it is only right to show a professional attitude and release this weight from Juventus which fell on to the club’s shoulders due to my time elsewhere in my career. "I think it is right to dedicate all my time and efforts to clearing my position in these matters, which are exclusively about me and not those I simply shared a locker room with. "I therefore tend my irrevocable resignation as technical assistant at Juventus." However, there was optimism elsewhere at the club on Monday as the lawyer of the Bianconeri defender Leonardo Bonucci stated that he was confident his client would be cleared of the charges of sporting fraud levelled against him.

Bonucci has nothing to admit to, says lawyer The Italy international's legal representative says the 25-year-old is entirely innocent after accusations of sporting fraud were levelled against him. Aug 6, 2012 Giampietro Bianchi, the lawyer of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, believes that his client will be cleared of any role in the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal. Our definitive countdown of the finest players from 2011-12 has commenced. Click here to view our slideshow of the stars who ranked 50-4 in our list! The centre-back has been charged with sporting fraud in relation to incidents that occurred during his spell at Bari during the 2009-10 season, with the federal prosecutor in charge of handling the on-going scandal, Stefano Palazzi, requesting a three-and-a-half-year ban be given to the 25-year-old. Despite the sanctions proposed by Palazzi, the defender's representative is confident that his client's name will be cleared in due course. "The prosecutor offered us the opportunity to move the charge from sporting fraud to simply failing to alert authorities to a potential fix, but only if there were new facts that he was going to admit to,” Bianchi explained to Tuttosport. "Bonucci has not done anything, so what was he supposed to admit? It is true there would be some risks of civil court action too, but in any case he would never have 'confessed' to anything untrue. It is a moral decision. "He would have evaluated the possibility out of respect for Juve's interest, but not if it meant admitting to something he never actually did." The lawyer pleaded his case to the Disciplinary Committee of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Saturday, identifying inconsistencies and contradictions in the testimony against his client.

Bonucci has nothing to admit to, says lawyer The Italy international's legal representative says the 25-year-old is entirely innocent after accusations of sporting fraud were levelled against him. Aug 6, 2012 Giampietro Bianchi, the lawyer of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, believes that his client will be cleared of any role in the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal. Our definitive countdown of the finest players from 2011-12 has commenced. Click here to view our slideshow of the stars who ranked 50-4 in our list! The centre-back has been charged with sporting fraud in relation to incidents that occurred during his spell at Bari during the 2009-10 season, with the federal prosecutor in charge of handling the on-going scandal, Stefano Palazzi, requesting a three-and-a-half-year ban be given to the 25-year-old. Despite the sanctions proposed by Palazzi, the defender's representative is confident that his client's name will be cleared in due course. "The prosecutor offered us the opportunity to move the charge from sporting fraud to simply failing to alert authorities to a potential fix, but only if there were new facts that he was going to admit to,” Bianchi explained to Tuttosport. "Bonucci has not done anything, so what was he supposed to admit? It is true there would be some risks of civil court action too, but in any case he would never have 'confessed' to anything untrue. It is a moral decision. "He would have evaluated the possibility out of respect for Juve's interest, but not if it meant admitting to something he never actually did." The lawyer pleaded his case to the Disciplinary Committee of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Saturday, identifying inconsistencies and contradictions in the testimony against his client.

Allegri concedes Juventus are favourites for Serie A title The Rossoneri coach admits the reigning champions are the team to beat in the new season, but is hopeful his men can spring a surprise, despite numerous high-profile departures. Aug 6, 2012 AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has conceded that Juventus are the favourites to win the Scudetto in 2012-13, but stressed anything can happen in football. The Turin giants started last year as one of the outsiders for the Serie A title, but finished the season as the unbeaten champions, and Allegri hopes the Rossoneri can pull off a similar surprise this time around. "Juventus have made some good signings and they are the favourites to win the title. However, you never know how things will pan out out in football," Allegri told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Last year, everybody thought that we would dominate the league and that it would be a duel with Inter. But in the end Juventus went on to win the title without losing, so who knows..."

Juventus ready to avenge Coppa Italia loss against Napoli, says Marrone The midfielder has made it clear that the Serie A champions are desperate to win their first trophy of the season, and would be willing to deputise in defence whenever necessary. Aug 6, 2012 Luca Marrone has stressed that Juventus are raring to go ahead of the Supercoppa Italiana against Napoli on August 11. The Old Lady missed out on a domestic double last season, as the Partenopei proved to be too strong in the Coppa Italia final, and the Turin giants will be gunning for revenge on Saturday, according to the youngster. "The season's only just starting but we feel good, our legs are starting to tick over nicely and in a week's time we'll be in top shape. We're fired up for this game with Napoli," Marrone was quoted as saying on the club's official website. "The Super Cup is the first piece of silverware up for grabs and we're determined to avenge our defeat in the Coppa Italia final. We can't wait to get out there and play it." Marrone featured in defence earlier this pre-season, and the 22-year-old - a midfielder by trade - has made it clear that he is happy to help out wherever he is needed. "The boss told me a few days ago that he wanted to try me out in defence," he added. "We already discussed it last year before the game in Genoa, but then Vidal came in and did a great job. I'm ready to do my bit for the team wherever the coach wants me to play."